K9 Bear – Somerset, England

Sadness as Bristol police dog Bear dies

Avon and Somerset Police have announced the death of a beloved police dog. Bear was handled between 2012-2018, and mainly served in the Bristol area. From 2019, Bear retired to a caring family, who looked after him until his passing. As a working dog, Bear was a part of a GP & TFSD team. Avon and Somerset Police have released a touching tribute to Bear. They said: “It’s with a heavy heart that we have to announce the very peaceful passing of RPD Bear. Bear was handled between 2012-18 and mainly served in the Bristol area as part of a GP & TFSD team. “He retired to a lovely family who gave him such a wonderful retirement. Run free, Bear.” Bear’s owners run a Twitter account in his name, and released a touching tribute to the ex-police dog yesterday evening (4 August). It said, “It absolutely breaks my heart to tell you that beautiful Bear died today. “He went for his lunchtime sleep and sadly didn’t wake up. He wasn’t unwell and was still very fit and active on the farm. “Bear joined us in 2019 after serving with Avon and Somerset Police with his handler, Rich. Thank you for the past three years and for sharing your retirement with us. “So many special memories, from biting a DEFRA inspector who climbed over the farm gate, to not leaving my daughter’s bedside after she had surgery. So very loyal, protective and loving. “Such a gentle way with children. I couldn’t have asked for a more faithful friend. “The farm is going to be very empty without him. Sleep well, big man.”

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Submitted By Jim Cortina

James A. Cortina has been involved with police dogs since 1972 and currently on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Jim has been appointed as Treasurer since its inception in 1991. Jim is one of the charter members of the C.P.W.D.A. organization. Since 1975 he has been a certified professional dog trainer and received his Master Trainer Certification in 1985. During his career he has provided armed K-9 strike crowd control for security agencies in Connecticut and out of state security companies. In conjunction with other members of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Board of Directors, he helped to draft Connecticut Statute 53-247(e) "Intentional Injury or Killing of Police K-9" which was passed by the Senate in 1993 and also assisted in implementing the prestigious Daniel Wasson Memorial K-9 Award in 1992. In 1993 he helped coordinate the North American Police Work Dog Association Nationals in New London, Connecticut. He was appointed Training Director for the New London County Work Dog Association from 1985-1987. He performed decoy work for Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. in police K-9 demonstrations, trained several local police department canines, and coordinated training workshops for out-of-state police departments. He participated in the United States Police K-9 Association Trials in Croton on Hudson, New York in 1985 as a decoy. He is an avid photographer and received photography awards in 1989, 1990, and 1991 and currently takes photographs for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc.
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